By Koomasi

Description

PocketPacket is an APRS client for your iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch. The "Automatic Position Reporting System" is a packet communication protocol used by amateur radio operators (hams) around the world, to report position, status, station capabilities, weather or other information in real time. Packets can also be used for broadcasting announcements or one-to-one messaging.
PocketPacket incorporates a software-based TNC, allowing you to directly capture and visualize, or encode and transmit 1200 baud packets (AFSK modulation) using a VHF radio transceiver. With PocketPacket you can also get and send packets over the Internet, by selecting one of the available Tier 2 servers of the global APRS-IS network.
Incoming data is presented on a map, as most packets define some object, with a specific symbol and location. By selecting a symbol, you can view the latest information sent for the corresponding object, as well as the raw packets that produced it. All available objects are also shown in a list, which allows you to search for the ones you are looking for. Messages and bulletins are shown in a separate set of screens, structured like an e-mail client.
With PocketPacket you can follow the status of the APRS network or submit your station's info from anywhere. Monitor moving objects, get real time weather reports directly from local stations and more. Now, with an iPhone/iPod Touch and PocketPacket, you can have a full-fledged picture of packet activity in a small, portable package - ideal for field work or the ham shack.
73 de SV1OAN

Screenshots

Reviews

Great App - If It Worked

2

By ikarrous

Constantly crashes. Rotation is broken. Needs significant work to be “ready” for the App Store, even though it’s been listed for years. Not at all worth the $5.

App works like it says

4

By barterfee

This is one if the few apps that will let you transmit APRS data. Seems to work so far. I haven't used all the features yet but in the messages section you can only send 64 characters. What’s that about? That really limits what kind of message you can send. I would at least expect 120 or 240 characters like other APRS programs. Other than that it works like it says

Excellent APRS app for Hams

5

By TTF80

Using a UV82 and an iPhone 5 connected with the BTech K2 cable. Beaconing, Receiving, Messaging. Exactly what I was looking for. Please keep developer support of this app, it’s the only one of its kind on iOS. Maybe add the SmartBeaconing algorithm to beacon intervals.

Works with VOX on iPhone & Baufeng UV-5R!

5

By Thehamguy1

I've had this app for a year or more and wasn't too impressed with it UNTIL I received a Baofeng UV-5R dual-band HT for Christmas. I built a small interface to match up its audio input/output to the headphone jack on my iPhone and after some experimentation with settings on both the radio and the iPhone I now have APRS TX and RX capability (because the Baofeng has VOX capability, which had kept me from using it with my other vox-less HTs). I'm quite pleased with the app now and having a blast running APRS with an iPhone and a radio the size of a pack of cigs.
One note: It doesn't work on TX with my iPad2. When I connect the mic cable up it causes the radio to switch into TX mode more or less constantly. The iPhone architecture is evidently different enough that I don't have this problem--it just works. So if you're unhappy with PocketPacket on an iPad try it on an iPhone. I wouldn't have believed the difference.
Update 2 years later: The app still works great even though the OS on my iPhone5 has been upgraded several times. That's something to be happy about. I also like the fact that if you buy this app there's no in-app purchases or annual subscriptions needed to keep it working. The problem with my iPad mentioned above was easily fixed--I discovered if I set the VOX on the UV-5R to 8, and then turned UP the audio volume on the iPad to about 3/4 full the radio stopped TXing full time and went back to normal operation. It seems odd to have to turn the volume up to fix the problem, but it worked for me. See other reviews for comments on fixing the iPhone5 crash issue. I too had this problem. A short-term workaround is to shut off the iPhone using the power button (not the home button) and then turn it immediately back. It unfroze the display and resumed operation right where it left off when it froze. Whether deleting and reinstalling the app as recommended will solve the problem permanently, I don't know...I just did it and will see. Look for the call WU0V on APRS!

Works well.

5

By powellite

Just downloaded it. Had it up and operating in a matter of minutes. Sent a command message to a digipeater 300 miles away and received the correct reply in a minute. Works well and I recommend it. You'll need an aprs authorization access code to message.

Needs installed TWICE.

5

By WaikikiHaole

As suggested by a review below (in 2014) - the app does not work until deleted and reinstalled. After an hour of puzzling, I tried this and now am seeing a fully populated map and was able to send SMS via APRS-IS. Sweet!

Confused

3

By Steven Abdul Malik

I'm new to radio, like brand new, so I'm sure I'm missing something. I have an old iPhone with the cellular data that I downloaded the app to over wifi. It seems to broadcast my gps Location even without a radio hook up. And when I take it off of wifi it says it can't connect to APRS IS. So my question is can I not use this without cellular service except to broadcast my position which I don't even need my radio to do?

With an interface the app works fine.

5

By Rosea1

With an interface such as Easy Digi, the TNC modem works perfectly. Anyone having problems should realize that all iPhones -- especially newer ones -- require some sort of isolation between the phone and the HT.

Crashy at best

2

By Aylr

This app looks promising but is ultimately disappointing. If only there was some support and active updates!

Time to add HF APRS capabilities

2

By Paceryourself

I want to be able to use Pocket Packet with my HF radio while out at sea on my sailboat.
All that's needed is to add 300 baud FSK encoding/decoding as an option.